Germany Accelerates Weapon Deliveries to Ukraine: Zuzana 2, New “Shahed Killers” & Smart HF-1 Drones

The update, published this week, reflects deliveries made between March 17 and April 18 — just a little over four weeks. Based on the newly added items, it’s now possible to estimate production and transfer timelines for certain systems.

Among the most notable additions are four Kinetic Defense Vehicles — specialized anti-drone systems developed by Germany’s Diehl Defence. These platforms, designed to intercept low-flying threats like Shahed drones, were first unveiled in early 2024.

Ukraine has already received 12 units throughout the year, and the four recently delivered vehicles likely correspond to those announced as being in production back in December 2024.

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This suggests a manufacturing cycle of around four months.

Another key addition includes three 155mm Zuzana 2 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, produced by Slovakia’s Konštrukta-Defence. These were provided as part of a joint initiative by Germany, Denmark, and Norway. The total contract envisions the delivery of 16 units to Ukraine.

Interestingly, Germany’s previous aid update in March already listed four delivered Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers. While this may seem like a rapid follow-up, the likely explanation is that several units were manufactured simultaneously and delivered in batches, since the tempo is much higher than previously said.

Germany also confirmed the delivery of 150 HF-1 loitering munitions, developed by the German company Helsing. These plywood-constructed drones have demonstrated significant battlefield utility and are already actively used by Ukrainian forces — as shown in a recent report revealing their growing presence on the front lines. Despite their simple materials, the HF-1s are equipped with smart guidance systems and can strike targets up to 50 kilometers away. Helsing plans to deliver a total of 4,000 HF-1 drones to Ukraine.

Beyond these flagship systems, the updated aid package includes a wide range of critical items:

• 66 unnamed MRAP vehicles
• Ammunition for Leopard 2 tanks
• 4 Kinetic Defense Vehicles
• 38,000 rounds for Gepard air-defense systems
• Missiles for IRIS-T SLM air-defense systems
• 3 Zuzana 2 155mm self-propelled howitzers
• 1,000 artillery shells (122mm)
• 70 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts
• 150 HF-1 loitering munitions
• 10 unmanned maritime vehicles
• 6 Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles
• 4 WISENT 1 mine-clearing vehicles
• 2 demining plows
• 41 ground surveillance radars
• 187 laser rangefinders
• 92 infrared binoculars
• 100 underwater scooters
• 3 border service vehicles
• 917 RGW 90 anti-tank rocket launchers
• 3,769 G38 assault rifles
• 800 MK 556 assault rifles
• 150,000 tourniquets
• 1,300 sleeping bags

In addition to hardware, Germany has also provided support services, including the deployment and maintenance of four IRIS-T air defense systems (SLM/SLS variants) and accompanying missiles, as well as deliveries of Patriot missiles, 120 Igla MANPADS, 316 Vector UAVs, 30 RQ-35 Heidrun drones, and 1,100 ground surveillance radars.

While Germany debates the political and military value of transferring Taurus missiles, Rheinmetall is betting on ammunition — expanding shell production, including in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UK is considering a joint weapons production hub with Ukraine, signaling growing European interest in deeper industrial defense cooperation.

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